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Overturned vehicle shuts down I-24 Eastbound in Davidson County, prompting diversion and extended commuter delays

AuthorEditorial Team
Published
January 19, 2026/11:40 AM
Section
City
Overturned vehicle shuts down I-24 Eastbound in Davidson County, prompting diversion and extended commuter delays
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Author: Goldwiser

All eastbound lanes blocked as responders work scene in southeast Davidson County

An overturned vehicle brought Interstate 24 eastbound to a standstill in Davidson County, forcing a full shutdown of all travel lanes and triggering a traffic diversion as emergency crews worked to secure the area and begin clearance operations.

The incident occurred on I-24 eastbound near the Old Hickory Boulevard area in southeast Davidson County, where transportation officials reported that eastbound traffic was unable to pass the scene. A diversion was implemented at the Old Hickory Boulevard exit to route vehicles off the interstate while responders remained on site.

What is confirmed and what remains unknown

  • Confirmed: All eastbound lanes were reported blocked due to an overturned vehicle, with traffic diverted at a nearby exit while the roadway was managed and cleared.

  • Not confirmed publicly at the time of reporting: The number of vehicles involved beyond the overturned vehicle, the extent of injuries, the precise cause of the overturn, and an estimated time for full reopening.

Why an overturn can close an entire interstate direction

Overturned vehicles can create rapid, high-impact closures on interstates such as I-24, particularly when the vehicle comes to rest across multiple lanes or when responders must treat the scene as a hazardous environment. Clearance often involves a coordinated sequence: securing the area, medical response if needed, documenting the crash, and recovering the vehicle. When a commercial vehicle is involved, recovery can take longer due to specialized equipment needs and potential cargo considerations, especially if debris or spilled materials are present.

Drivers were urged to expect delays and use alternate routes while crews worked to reopen I-24 eastbound.

Traffic impacts in a key Nashville commuter corridor

I-24 is one of Middle Tennessee’s busiest commuter and freight corridors, and full directional closures can quickly produce backups that spill onto surface streets and nearby connectors. Diversions at major exits can relieve pressure near the crash site but can also concentrate congestion at interchange ramps and signalized intersections as traffic redistributes.

Motorists traveling through southeast Davidson County during the response window were advised to allow extra travel time, follow detour directions, and watch for stopped traffic approaching the closure. Even after lanes reopen, delays may persist as traffic volume normalizes and any remaining cleanup concludes.

What to watch for next

Any additional confirmed details—such as injuries, citations, contributing roadway conditions, or the sequence of events—are expected to come from the investigating law-enforcement agency once the preliminary investigation is complete. Clearance timelines can also change depending on vehicle recovery complexity and roadway cleanup needs.